I brought my Parisian friend to Martha Wainwright’s tribute to the music of Edith Piaf for a number of reasons. He could authenticate her enunciation and delivery of the French lyrics, provide me with a quick storyline translation, and because I knew he would appreciate hearing some familiar songs of the saucy, oft forlorn, always lively women of Pigalle. After launching into the infectious melody of “Marie Trottoir” and the fabulous “La Foule,” Wainwright needed no authentication. The Canadian-American French-speaking singer wraps her whole being into the songs, reveling in their infectious melodies and tempos, becoming the music.

Wainwright balances her selections with beautiful ballads like “Adieu mon coeur,” “Une enfant” and “Soudain une vallee” (recorded with English lyrics as “Suddenly There’s a Valley” by such people as Doris Day, Jo Stafford and The Mills Brother). Wainwright’s vocal timbre and physical mannerisms are just right for this material, not an imitation of Piaf, but an honest homage to the material that demands absolute passion and connection. A perfect representation is her rendition of the Piaf staple “L’accordeoniste.”  The carnival-like melody tells the tale of yet another forlorn woman who loses her love and becomes obsessed with the sound of the java music. The music becomes her, she has to yell, it’s physical. Wainwright inhabits the lonely prostitute and breathes life into her madness.

Wonderfully accompanied by husband Brad Albetta on bass and Thomas Bartlett on piano, Wainwright brings the gems of French popular music and the legend of Piaf to a new generation. A brilliant songwriter from a musical family (mother is the late Kate McGarrigle, father is Loudon Wainwright III, brother is Rufus Wainwright), Martha included her stark “Bleeding All Over You” as well as her mother’s tender “Tell My Sister” and “I Am a Diamond.” Her encore of “Stormy Weather” was powerful and emotive without ever nearing over-the-top.

Wainwright’s voice is strong, assured and resonates with internal power and emotion. Piaf and Wainwright are similar artists and these timeless songs are given their due justice by this gifted song stylist.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
February 10, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org